Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bannock?

Bannock or, as First Nations people across Turtle Island call it, Fry Bread, is a simplistic form of flour, baking powder, salt and water. First Nations people surviving from the lands didn’t have flour, so they had to use other forms of ingredients like ground roots, bitterroot, to add sustenance to their nkexʷ which is the pudding made from saskatoons, bitter root, rolled flour-like pastry in fingerling thicknesses. So our ancestors did create their own form of Bannock, or seplil as my people say it. Our Scottish people who came to Canada brought with them flour and other ingredients, which First Nations people adapted into their recipes hundreds of years ago. As we all know, surviving harsh Canada winters meant that everyone had to create sustenance to survive.

What is a Kekuli?

A Kekuli is a dwelling built into the ground and covered by logs, dirt and grass. They were used as winter dwellings and housed many families. TheKekuli protected the people from the elements, it was quite warm and built very sturdy. You can still find historical Kekulis throughout the Thompson and Okanagan areas.

The English version word, Kekuli means “pithouse”. In the Thompson language, we say sʔístkn, a home which First Nations people lived during the winter season when the weather was unbearable. For the remainder of the year they lived in temporary housing made of tules, fir and other materials.

What is an Indian Taco?

The Indian Taco has become famous across North America at PowWows and Celebrations! The Indian Taco is a piece of fresh hot Frybread, or Bannock, covered with a meat sauce of some sort, like chilli, lettuce, salsa, and whatever toppings are available. The most enjoyable experience when it’s fresh!

Is this a Franchise?

We consider it to be a Franchise, and currently we have to corporate stores. From the time of opening Kekuli Cafe, we have planned it to be like every other Kekuli that will be opening in the future. Kekuli is a work in progress and we are always working towards our expansion.

What is Turtle Island?

Turtle Island comes from the Aboriginal creation story about how North America became what it is today. There are different versions of the Turtle Island creation. Turtle Island refers to North America.

When did Kekuli Café start?

Kekuli Café actually started in the summer of 2004. Owner Sharon Bond was laid off every summer from her teaching position, so she decided to buy a pop up vendor tent and sell Bannock at the local Westside Daze in Westbank BC. In the early beginnings Sharon went by the name Patricia Sam’s Bannock Cafe. Patricia Sam’s changed their name shortly after in 2005 to Kekuli Cafe and incorporated in 2009, when they opened their first restaurant.

What is a Loyalty Card?

A Loyalty Card can also be used as a gift card and a re-loadable cash card. As well, the card itself offers different perks to our valued customers. Check the section on the website about loyalty cards for more info.

What are your menu prices?

Menu prices can vary across provinces and from store to store, so we do not list any pricing on the website. Please visit your local Kekuli Cafe for all menu pricing.